Marco Sturm has been claimed off waivers by Washington, per Pierre LeBrun. Three players were claimed off waivers this morning, including Craig Rivet by Columbus and Nick Boynton by Philadelphia.
It will be interesting to see what the Kings do with the lineup today. Either Davis Drewiske or Peter Harrold can go in as a winger or a seventh defenseman [edit: If Kevin Westgarth does not go in], but who will play with Anze Kopitar and Wayne Simmonds? I’ll be headed to Staples Center shortly to find out…
Adios!
[Reply]
Scott Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:44 am
What is DL doing? I have been backing what he’s been doing for the last year or so, but now this is getting ridiculous.
Kings Fans, I know we’re just fans and we don’t know the behind the scenes of what is really going on with the team, but here is a small list of guys DL let go:
Marco Sturm
Brian Boyle
Matt Moulson
Think where the Kings would be if they had that as a line.
What are you doing DL? I really hope you know what you’re doing. Right you are making LA laughable.
[Reply]
kb Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Scott, with you on there, hopefully he has something to show.
[Reply]
Pucktime Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Scott, I think DL is trying to open wiggle room to 1) have a spot open for an incoming trade, and 2) keep open some more cap space to finish getting contracts done with some of the guys still to be re-signed.
regarding Boyle, I don’t know what it took for him to finally start playing his size instead of avoiding a physical game, but obviously he wouldn’t listen to anyone here – we gave him 2 years and lots of chances (to the point of Hextall trying to work with him personally), but I can only think of 6 decent checks and very few points in 2 full seasons, and that just doesn’t cut it. He always played like he was apologizing for being big, instead of using his size and power to make a play.
Moulson – liked him, but again he has found a better fit than he had here.
Sturm – he won’t be back to his old skill level until next season. Remember when we got Zeus? Same thing, the first year after surgery he was fairly invisible, it wasn’t until the second year that he started to shine.
[Reply]
hmmmm
[Reply]
Nooooooooooooooooooo!
[Reply]
A deadline move is approaching 100% chance now… DL?
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose, I do see a trade coming now that Sturm is gone. In the meantime, can’t we bring back Schenn to play on the 2nd line and move Brown up to the 1st? From the beginning of the season I liked what I saw from Schenn and hated to see him go back down. I sure hope he is not part of any trade deals.
[Reply]
Colin Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@DaveinSD, Schenn can’t come up to the Kings till his Junior season is over. As soon as it’s over, I would expect him to get a phone call though.
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@Colin, ok thanks. I wasn’t sure how the minor system worked. I hear alot of rumors about a Simmonds/Schenn trade package and I sure hope none of them go.
uknojata Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Colin, Saskatoon is expected to be a memorial cup contender, so it could be late May until Schenn could join the Kings. And, that would burn one year off his pro contract.
deadite77 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@DaveinSD, Schenn is not eligible to be called up until his junior season is over. They could call him up on emergency basis, but it wouldn’t be worth it. Let Saskatoon’s season end and he’ll be here .
[Reply]
roadtripper Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@DaveinSD, I don’t think Schenn can be brought back until his Junior season is over. Can someone please confirm this?
[Reply]
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@roadtripper,
Confirmed.
Too bad. I thought that he might help out down the stretch.
Now what? With Lokti out, who plays with Kopi?
[Reply]
sasKing Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@Michael_J,
Richardson and Westgarth. Hahaha
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@Michael_J,
Clune?
[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@BFarm, I’m with you on that… hopefully oscar gets a chance to shine.
[Reply]
uknojata Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@oldthunder, concur, Ozzy should get the call.
Jamer Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@oldthunder, Is he the best we got…..If so we are in Deep dew dew.
THEROCKNROLL80S Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Michael_J, Everybody is so concerned about who is going to play with Kopi. I am waiting to see if Kopi can play with anybody.
[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@THEROCKNROLL80S, As of lately that’s a great point
[Reply]
Pucktime Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Michael_J, I’m sure I’m a minority here, but why not put Richardson back up there with Brown? When they tried that before it looked pretty good.
[Reply]
What does DL have planned. What a short leash they had on Sturm. Never given a fair opportunity.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@NYKINGSFAN, I am with you…I think Iginla would make a HUGE difference on this team. Also, agree about Sturm, the caps are getting a quality player and person..he will be missed.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@puck73, Iginla could help, but who plays left wing on that line? I hope DL signs a guy for the left side first.
[Reply]
Michael_J Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@puck73, But, would Calgary really let him go to a conference rival? And, what would they want for their aging superstar?
[Reply]
Blake D Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@Michael_J, I really don’t see Calgary letting go of Iginla. He is the face of their franchise and Calgary is still in the playoff mix. I would venture to say it would cost more than DL is willing to give to get him.
5holer Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Michael_J, These guys are dreamers. Feaster ain’t moving Iggie or anyone else of value period! If someone wants to get a clue around here then you best focus on the examples of what Dino has done in the past…It ain’t much either! So don’t expect too much. It was a Bone Head move to put Marco on waivers with his “Mr. Perfect character fit and all”!! After today’s game you could have made a roster spot with demotions to AHL for a couple young guys. We are NOT against the Cap at all, just need a Roster Spot for an acquisition…no Cap money issues. Sturm is not the end all by any means, but he is better then the alternatives in lineup at LW that is certain. Is Bob Berry still in town? Suit him up today! Now LAK’s weakest position is much weaker today and it drives up price for a replacement for sure…Nice move exlax! This is stupidity! We are just hoping for something here that management doesn’t seem intent on delivering!! Astounding!
My forty cents worth.
nykingfan Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@NYKINGSFAN,
I think you took my name! lol
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@nykingfan, i was wondering if you just decided to cap your name…hey NYKINGSFAN! that name is taken man.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@wavesinair,
I bet you puck73 did it! lol
WET RIBET Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@nykingfan, Dude I wasn’t even aware of you or your name. No biggie I will use my business name instead. STILL A NYKINGSFAN though lol
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@nykingfan, Dude…How ya doin? What’s your take on Sturm being waived?
[Reply]
Forum67 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@NYKINGSFAN,
I TOTALLY agree about Sturm. I guess every season we are going to have someone eligible for the Kings Raw Deal Award. Last season it was Erik Ersberg and this season it is Marco Sturm. Sturm’s speed gave Kopi and Simmer more room to operate. Obviously if whatever deal Lombardi is trying to pull off falls through (as a number of them have in the past), then the loss of Sturm is going loom VERY huge.
[Reply]
Bossy22 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Forum67,
Sorry, But this years Raw Deal Award goes to Peter Harrold……
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Bossy22, Yep. I agree. Harry has been stiffed this season.
kngfan004 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Forum67, you have to be kidding…Sturms speed? Sluggish at best. If you watched the Minne game most everything was created by Kopi and Simmons. Sturm really only taking up space thus expendable. Salary salary dump and ready for maybe a rental player…Raw end of the deal not really as Sturm being hurt and lack of production deserves the move…see if he can play with Ovechgod.
[Reply]
THEROCKNROLL80S Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@NYKINGSFAN, That’s the Kings modus operandi: very few get enough chances if they are more than checkers. Pathetic!
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Kinda figured someone would claim him. Oh well. Hope it was worth it in the end.
[Reply]
Darrell Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Kris, So… Do we still have to give up any “future considierations”?
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@Darrell,
Doubt it
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Kris, Total surprise to me. Figured other teams would look at him as a pretty high risk.
[Reply]
Damn! Would have loved to have Sturm in the playoffs where he usually plays big..oh well, I am assuming a big deal is approaching, if I have a choice, I would love ta see Iginla on our Powerplay, i think he would be a HUGE acquisition..just my opinion.
[Reply]
Michael_J Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@puck73,
Since Dean is so very calculated I have to agree that something is coming. I can’t imagine that he would expose Marco if they didn’t have a deal that was all but done.
Or, they thought that he really just wasn’t fitting in.
[Reply]
Darrell Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Michael_J, Just as long as the deal isn’t wrecked by the Lokti injury. Though it would just be our luck if it was.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:43 am
@puck73,
That would be sweet
[Reply]
DL needs to get a semi-star player finally to play with Kopitar.
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@NYKINGSFAN, he didn’t do anything all year so why qwould he do it now with the price tags so much higher. Just me being pissed at Dl as usual, but what’s your thought on this?
[Reply]
Too bad for Sturm. This roster situation was misplayed.
[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@18,118, Not a misplay. Cap space needed and strum was the only logical cap move. You need 24 hours to clear so DL couldn’t wait until Monday. Every time you make a move there is a risk and if he did nothing the LGK refugees would be howling. Sorry to see Sturm go and we wish him the best.
[Reply]
18,118 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:23 am
@Kyle,
Of course you are right as well. I was just thinking if they REALLY wanted all their options open, I think Sturm could have remained on injured reserve just a few more days. They sent Lokti down as a move to make room to activate Sturm.
Maybe management had made up their minds about Sturm anyway, but it’s unfortunate to lose that option.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:24 am
@Kyle, Even with Sturm in the line up we had cap space. 4.3 mill I believe.
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money Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Kyle, Had nothing to do with cap space. this was a roster move……Doesnt look to be shapeing up as a good one either I might ad.
[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@money, Both roster move and space.
matt343 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@money, had to be cap space sturm had 3.5 million agaisnt the cap. roster move needed for trade.
money Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@Kyle, we already have plenty of cap space for the remainder of this year, it was a roster move so if there happend to be a trade made sturm could have been shipped down without waiting 24 hours.
[Reply]
In the Net Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Kyle, Do you really think he would do something so the LGK refugess would not howl? That’s just nuts.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Kyle, It does put the pressure on, though. Now if the deal doesn’t go through…he’s going to get a lot of Helene Elliot-style jabs.
[Reply]
Noel Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@18,118, And you know this because…
[Reply]
18,118 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@Noel,
I don’t. Conjecture. Opinion.
Do they have a plan B for who was going to play in the #1 left wing spot, three hours from game time?
[Reply]
if Lombardi really wanted room then y not send down Martinez for a few days since he’s waiver ineliginle and play Drewidke in his short-term absence???
I think this was more of a message then a roster movement
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Paul G, Exactly, and Martinez wouldn’t have to be sent down until just before we made a trade, he doesn’t have to clear 24 hour waivers first. And to everyone that says it’s a cap thing, go to capgeek.com and you’ll see the Kings can take on over 22 million in player contracts. That’s because a players contract is prorated over a full season and the Kings would only have to pay about a fourth of a new players contract, and only take on a fourth of that players salary cap number.
[Reply]
wouldnt mind seeing moller
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BFarm Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Stop the Puck,
I LOVE YOU
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Absolutely disgusting…I am pissed!!
[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Chongo, Pissed about what? We lost a large cap hit player who was slowly rounding back into shape and who already had one setback during his time with LA? Roster moves are calculated risks for any GM. The Caps needed to do something given their offensive ineptitude recently (without the good defense we have to compensate for low scoring) so Sturm was a logical gamble for them. I hope his knee holds out and he does well there.
[Reply]
Noel Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@Kyle, Well said.
[Reply]
Chongo Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Kyle, He was a good acquistition that would have contributed down the stretch and in the playoffs. I think the organization didn’t give him a fair shake. Also, he seemed like a great guy with a strong desire to be on the team. I am pissed because I think it was disrespectful and it was the wrong move. In hindsight, with Loktionov’s injury it seems even worse. He was the best LW that we had at the moment to play with Kopitar although an argument could be made about Smyth. Maybe we are bringing in the LW of our dreams but I still think it was handled poorly.
[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@Chongo, It is business. He was advised about the move before it was made so he got the respect that was due. This isn’t civil service and no one is guaranteed a spot forever.
Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Kyle, Good read…good call.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Chongo, I have to admit being more disappointed than expected–of course, I didn’t expect him to be picked up.
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There better be someone coming in. He’s not great but he wasn’t the worst on the team either.
[Reply]
WET RIBET Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@JMan, I seriously hope a move is coming otherwise this makes no sense.
[Reply]
Blake D Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@JMan, I agree completly. He was holding his own and starting to come around before he want down with the knee again. I really hope we have something lined up. I like Oscae Moller but he is inconsistant. We need someone like Booth from Florida or Penner from Edmonton. I like Penner’s game even though he has fallen off a bit. Let’s just hope DL can make something happen.
GO KINGS!!
[Reply]
You da man rich! Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Blake D, the only thing booth does consistently is skate with his head down in the neutral zone and get concussions
[Reply]
Pucktime Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@JMan, according to McKenzie, we are working hard to make a deal for Ales Hemsky… I wish we could have held onto Sturm, but moving Martinez wouldn’t have given him the spot he really needed – a forward. The only other one we could have shifted is Clifford, and then he would be stuck in Juniors where we couldn’t get him back in time.
Sturm is a great guy, but he won’t be healthy (barring additional setbacks) until next season, he’s already missed 45 of 61 games so far, DL was probably hoping he would clear waivers so we could have him next year when he’s 100%
Just my opinion…
[Reply]
OSCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR MOOOOOLLLLLLEEEEEER!!!!!
my man please come to the kings!!!!
he friggin got 3 points in 4 games and no one saw it!
he’s got the best shooting percentage on the roster!!
step up my scandinavian hero!
[Reply]
Cup B4 I Die Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:25 am
@BFarm,
Shooting %? LOL. That’s like if the Lakers signed a guy to a 7 day contract and he played 1 minute and went 1-2 shooting. His 50% shooting percentage would be better than Kobe’s. Kind of lame stat for hockey.
But I do agree…would love to give Oscar a shot at playing with Kopitar. That is of course in case DL doesn’t trade for a winger in the next 48 hours.
[Reply]
BFarm Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@Cup B4 I Die,
yea i know but i thot ide just throw that in there for effect. shhhhh
brad richards or bust… put in moller! I love the guy and would love to see him raise the cup
but i dont think lokti is hurt according to another guys comments on the “lokti injury” page. im sure lokti will come back but after the roster limit expires i reeaaaallly reaaallly wanna see moller
[Reply]
Dallas has said Richards is almost ready to return. Would it be a DL move to get him? I think he’s 35 yrs. old and would help this year, but we would have to give up A LOT to get him. What’s the consensus on here?
[Reply]
Michael_J Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@HappyLappy,
No Deal (slam the case down shut)!
[Reply]
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@HappyLappy, Brad Richards is 30, not 35
[Reply]
HappyLappy Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose, someone posted me that he was 35, 30 makes a big difference! As long as his concussion isn’t a recurring thing.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@HappyLappy,
We wouldn’t give up as much as everybody is predicting if it happened, and yes he is ready to go. Some analysists believe the Stars didn’t want to have him get hurt just before they traded him. He’s been awsome this season, but I would still rather have a left winger.
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Dominick, someone pointed out yesterday, he played LW in Tampa. if we could sign him (and that is where the gamble is), i would definately be ok with the kings giving up some serious asstes. just no Schenn.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@jayhay, I didn’t know that. Good to know, thanks.
Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@Dominick, Hey bud…I agree with you on this one. Richards is a rental and with the “concussion like symptoms” I don’t see the price being real high. One decent minor leaguer & a mid-rounder next year would probably do the trick. I don’t see DL giving up any roster players for a rental tho…
[Reply]
Blake D Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@HappyLappy, Nah I don’t think we should give up some of our young guys for a player that may bolt at the end of the year. His contaract is up and judgeing by what Dallas was asking from New York it would be a really high asking price. Probably Schenn, Hickey and possible Simmer. Who knows. Richards is good but I’d rather wait and see if we could land him in free agency. Even then he’s getting old.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@HappyLappy, I doubt it, too many if’s. He has a no trade clause, he is only a rental and so well regarded you’d have to give up a roster player and in our same division in a playoff run. Just don’t see it happening
[Reply]
Gerard Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@HappyLappy,
Richards has 213 points in his last 204 games. I would have no problems with trading Schenn plus a pick or two for him, so long as we are assured of a contract extension at a reasonable price. I have never understood why others may be reluctant in situations as these, trading a prospect who one day MAY become as good as the one who is coming back in the trade.
[Reply]
outsider Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Gerard, 100% agree, but the contract extension guarantee at a reasonable price is crucial. I would love to see him palying LW with Kopi!!!!!
[Reply]
Blake D Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Gerard, You make a great point. If we could do a sign and trade for a prospect and possbilly a pick or two then yeah it would be worth it to get Richards. He is a great player and he is proven. I just don’t see that being realistic. Dallas wants quality proven players in return for a guy like Richards. I just think the price is going to be to high especially to a team in the same division. Don’t see it happening. Someone like Penner or Booth would probably fill the void left at LW and not cost us to much in return.
Just a thought. I’m not an expert.
[Reply]
So Sturm gone and Lokti hurt. I sure hope that DL has something arranged, because if not he just lost one heckuva lot of bargaining leverage. The need for a top line winger is now greater than ever – DL is gonna get squeezed big time.
[Reply]
Michael_J Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@rick, Yah, what a difference a day makes!
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Kyle Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:25 am
@rick, The need isn’t any greater now than yesterday. Deep breath. Dean’s not getting squeezed any more today and he won’t pull the trigger out of desperation. He’s less likely to make a gambling deal now given his conservative nature.
[Reply]
TA Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@rick, Your right the price of every player DL was looking at just went up.
Don’t worry they will call Dwight King again for Kopi!!!
[Reply]
Arron Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@TA,
How does the price of every player DL was looking at go up? That makes zero sense, especially since you don’t know what the price was for those players originally.
Let’s be realistic here. How many games did Sturm play for the Kings? How many did he miss because of injury? It was a gamble when we got him originally and it was a gamble he was put on waivers. From the start of the season till now, nothing has changed.
Riddle me this…How is it that everyone is crying now that Sturm is gone and now we have no one to play with Kopitar when you were all crying that we don’t have anyone to play with Kopitar when Sturm was here?
[Reply]
Blake D Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Arron, Well said my friend.
Pucktime Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@Arron, I’m with you. Stats for Sturm so far are: he missed 45 out of 61 games, played 3 different lines. Don’t get me wrong, I am bummed we lost him, but it’s like Handzus – we got him after knee surgery and it took another year before we got to see his real talent. I don’t think Sturm will truly be back to his full playing skill until next season. It would have been nice if he had cleared waivers and we had him for next year, but it really was almost the only good roster move we could have made to open up space for a deal.
I am a little amused by the “someone to play with Kopi” comments – we got Smyth to play with Kopi, didn’t we? And what line is he on now? We need a strong LW, and hopefully he will mesh on a line with Kopi. If we don’t get one in a trade, then maybe one of our youngsters will fit the bill next year.
By the way, McKenzie is reporting we are the front contender trying to work a deal for Ales Hemsky…
TA Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@Arron, You missed my point.
1st i’m not complaining about Sturm has he wasn’t healthy and hasn’t done much.
My point is that everyone on the planet knew that DL was/is looking for a top LW.
If you don’t think that DL is more desperate today then he was a week or 2 ago then you should open your eyes.
DL even said himself 2 weeks ago that while he is hoping to land a LWer, he had players of his own coming back that could help. He said that Sturm and Parse would be back soon.
Well Parse isn’t comming anytime soon as they’ve stop he from skating, and now Sturm is gone.
So here is our LWers
Smyth
Poni
Clifford
Richie
Other than Smyth none of the others can score or play with Kopi.
Again every GM knows how desperate DL is now so they will try to get more out of him!
BFarm Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@TA,
dwight king????
bleeeeeeeehhhhh
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@rick, I disagree, except that Loktionov worth went down considerably. Sturm was an injured rental that wasn’t worth much. Very little difference from yesterday to today in negociating power.
[Reply]
If it weren’t for bad luck, we wouldn’t have no luck at all.
Odds are good Sturm goes a point per game from this point forward.
The Kings curse strikes again!
Good luck Marco, rip that eastern conference for us.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@Token, I suspect his name will go down as the one who left and thrived elsewhere, just like Boyle, Purcell, and Moulson. I hope he has a great rest of the year.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@Token,
It’s exactly what DL wanted IMO.
It just wasn’t necessary to expose Sturm if you thought he would be a big part of the run. Honestly, we can’t give up a guy like Harrold at this stage of our development as a team? Really?
I mean it’s a no brainer to expose Harrold instead of Strum IF, and that’s a big if, you want him to stay with the club. Translation: DL didn’t want him here anymore.
And so it is. Too much time was already wasted on the guy.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@wavesinair,
Gotta agree 100%. Gave Sturm a shot but could not wait for him to get it together. He was expendable & frees up some cap space once it looked like he would take too long to heal.
[Reply]
It’s definitely something they had back-up plan for. I’m sure DL didn’t make the move and just crossed his fingers. Let’s hold our judgements until Monday evening. Than we can burn our bra’s in protest.
[Reply]
Buster Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Deaderhead28, I wouldn’t mind the redheads burning theirs now and will gladly provide the matches.
[Reply]
hemsky seems logical.
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Yuri, What about Penner??
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Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:38 am
@Moondoggie, Still my favorite option.
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Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@Dominick, Agreed….a nice, big LW who can put the biscuit in the basket and a good complement player to Kopi….
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Moondoggie, Yeah, if it’s Edmonton, it’s Penner, not Hemsky. Hemsky isn’t logical at all, being at RW.
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Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Agreed, they don’t need another RW but TSN’s McKenzie is high on the idea…
deadite77 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@Yuri, Tambellini is asking for the moon in return for Hemsky… an oft-injured, high priced sometimes 20 goal scorer. Stay away. Penner on the other hand….
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Ari Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:42 am
@Yuri, Hemsky never broke 30 goals, and is a RW.
Penner makes more sense as he broke 30 and is a LW.
I for one do not want to see Brown on the left. Isn’t that when we had a losing streak?
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Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@Ari, If you go back a little farther Brown scored over 30 on the left, but yeah I like him on the right better.
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Ari Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Dominick, Didn’t realize know that stat – that’s good – wish he could do that all the time in any position
Blake D Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@Ari, I agree with you guys Penner would be the better choice. I think he fits better in our system. Big, skates well and can score. Hemsky is a solid player but I don’t see him coming in a making the impact we need. Penner’s game is what we need for the playoffs.
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Boynton would have been a good pickup for the kings. Better than Martinez and Drewiski
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Skate Harrold today on the wing today. More than likely Richardson will move up with Kopitar and Simmonds.
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“Overwhelmingly” was the way Rich put it on having Sturm play for the Kings today….So I have to believe that the Kings didnt think anyone would pick him up…also having Sturm practice on the first line is also evidence that the Kings thought he would NOT be picked up…DL gambled and lost….no other way about it…..Now we have to change the lines again…..
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Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:44 am
@neil,
What??
TM has to change the lines again? Blasphemy I tell you!
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Call me crazy, but if Lombardi isn’t going to make a deal, I would put Clifford with Kopitar and Simmonds. It would be nice to see Kopitar with tons of room and protection. Kopitar could just throw the puck to the net where Clifford and simmonds would be hanging out.
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Pucktime Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Eric, Clifford definitely brings the speed, and net presence. Just not sure if he can handle the hard passing – I’ve noticed that a lot of the guys can’t seem to field a hard pass from Kopi
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Sturm looked real good last game as did the whole Team. But, a guy like Sturm, with all that experience, gave a team confidence I hadn’t seen in a while. So, I’m sorry he’s gone. Now, if DL finds an experienced guy who’s as healthy (or better yet healthier than Sturm), great.
If not… my gut says this is a bad move. 1PM, Avalanche, FSW. Go Kings!!!
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Gambled and lost. i thought it was a safe bet he;d pass thru, but apparently not safe enough
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Moondoggie Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@Pumpernicholl, I don’t think so. Everything DL does is calculated. I’m certain he has something worked out; at worst we may see Oscar again which IMO would be an upgrade over Sturm, nothing against Marco but he just didn’t have the same flashes he displayed before his knee injury. It was HIGHLY unlikely he was going to be resigned this summer as well. Best of luck to Marco in the East, DL has a plan, the Kings are playing some of their best hockey this season right now, it’s party time in LA! Don’t worry….
In DL we trust…..LGK!!!
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Oh well, Strum goes strumming. His play to this point has been weak and with upside POTENTIAL only. We really need someone with proven ability and can traction NOW. If Richards was only mildly concussed as evidenced by a swift recovery, he would be a great addition. Meantime, “let our enemies eat Nordic rubber!”.
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Can’t wait to see what DL backup plan is (probably nothing or something very weak; just like his Kovalchuk/Frolov backup plan with the gelded Poni).
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Player-X Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@Miller29, gelded poni, nice!
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Ok,so, can we trade Westgarth to Washington for Sturm?
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HappyLappy Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@chuckrocks, very funny
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Dominick Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@chuckrocks, They’d probably want Westy, Harrold, and Whiskey.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@Dominick, and we’d probably give it to them!
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You say Harrold or Drewiske Rich, but what about Westgarth?
I imagine he’ll be the one playing.
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neil Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:38 am
@wavesinair, move Poni to the first line…activate Westy….
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Things that are confusing….Richardson can go from being a scratch to the first line…Sturm goes from the first line to being waived…..Moeller gets 3 points in two games and the Kings win both…gets sent down…….Lotki goes from being star #2(in a road game)to being sent down…..
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CB14 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@neil, That’s TM for ya.
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bye bye STURM
wish we had never sent LOKTI down
and yes now what? is there a trade in the works?
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hejduk and stastny could just switch locker rooms this afternoon… that replaces our injured center and gives us a winger… wow what a cap hit that would be though… ahh nevermind LOL
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I think Dean should trade Westgarth for Ovechkin and have Washington throw in some cash to cover the remainder of AO’s contract.
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Gerard Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Undercover Brother,
I think Dean should trade a conditional 7th round pick to Vancouver for the Sedin twins.
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jess Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@Gerard,
Either one of you know where I can purchase a bridge or two?
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I really liked Sturm. He didn’t get a chance. DL better have a good reason he put him on waivers!
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Arron Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@Airwaves,
Actually he was given a chance. DL traded for him when he was still injured. He got a chance to play on the top line. Heck he wasn’t going to play in Boston so likely he would have been waived then. How many GMS would have taken a chance on a player just coming off his injury? Some maybe or maybe he would be playing in the AHL right now. So to me he got his chance and is still playing in the NHL because of it.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@Arron, yeah, I’m going to have to go ahead and disagree. He was pushed into tendinitis by TM, instead of getting a chance to build up his strength.
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vicarious Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Airwaves, Bum Knee or bum knees was Sturm’s problem. A healthy Sturm plays 15-20 minutes a game as Kopitar’s LW. Murray mentioned that Sturm’s knee was so bad his leg stiffened up and Sturm was having problems just walking, let alone playing against the NHL superdupers.
My $.02–likely Sturm’s knee is so far gone he’ll hv a hard time contributing on a consistent basis in Washington. Not for lack of effort. Just each time the knee gets enough internal swelling to stiffen up, Sturm’s down 2-3 weeks. Nothing Sturm can really do at this point–you can’t even play through the pain because the damn leg won’t move right. Playing with that kind of injury usually hurts the team.
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Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out this weekend – on the ice and off. Expecting two wins.
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Awsome start to the weekend! First Lokti done for the year and now Sturm gone too. We just got a heck of a lot weaker! DL now HAS to do something and will be negotiating from a stance of weakness. Again, I sure hope DL knows what he is doing. I have faith he does (trying to convince myself)
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The way things have been going, I’m sure we are going to sweat it out till 5 min. before the deadline before we find out who (if anybody) joins the Kings.
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tornado12 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@HappyLappy, it HAS to be somebody now or DL will end up with egg on his face!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@tornado12, LOL
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@tornado12, Is there room for more egg??
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Kingsfanone Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@crashin’ da net,
He just keeps using more and more towels.
This might be unpopular but if DL doesn’t have a trade going (or it was ruined by the injury) i’d like him to call Moller up for the remainder. I want him to get a shot, in a pressure situation, and see if he can answer the bell. I don’t care that he is small.
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wavesinair Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Jason4Kings, I’m bummed that little meatball hasn’t been up here much.
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tornado12 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@wavesinair, here here
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Bfarm Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Jason4Kings,
Ive been saying call up moller all along!!!!!
jump on the friggin band wagon.
hes got 3 points in 4 games FFS!
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Jason4Kings Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Bfarm,
Sorry, I didn’t realize it was your wagon.
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Bfarm Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@Jason4Kings,
its got 24 inch rims man and a gold plated canopy dude.
its the coolest wagon around man and im givin u a free ride to strudel town!
its got big rims but its still kinda small, only a 2 seater but we can chill bro
TA Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Jason4Kings, I’m sure that he’ll be back once the roster are expanded in a couple of days,
if he isn’t part of a deal.
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Well that wasn’t supposed to happen!
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wavesinair Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@KFII, Yes, it was.
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KFII Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@wavesinair, just stealing a line from Wow Wow Wubzy..
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well i hope u have a good time at Caps
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Yeah, if he does recover from his injury and start a scoring tear, he would be a logical free agent option for the Kings this summer, but I’m thinking he’s not going to feel like considering it.
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I think DL should go after David Booth, a quality left wing who can score on a bad team. They are want to rebuild so we would give them a couple prospects.
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I will miss the dangerous open ice hugs sturm gave to opposite teams and especially the sweet ghost drop passes to absolutely nobody lol.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@jess, Hey, everyone deserves an open ice hug, sometimes. So let’s give credit where credit’s due: his ghost drop pass is Marco’s patented move! Like a Frolov wraparound, a Smyth falling in the corner, a Westgarth blocking punches with his face!
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jess Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@xeropoint, LOL!!
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Sturm may have worked out for the Kings, but now we’ll never know. I’m over it. Hope we see some return for it though.
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don’t get it at all, the kings coach shuffle the line more that a black jack dealer in year. DL great deal will be same as before
he forgets to set his alarm and just wait the deadline pass by. Kings fans just keep paying and paying, I guess it is cheaper to go a game than see a shrink. If they lucky they may make the playoffs, and exit 2nd round…. What a great way to waste money, signing Sturm and let him go for nothing, when he was in the line up, even in his bad days was as good as anybody on the ice. I would not be shocked if DL gets a burnout and hurt Gabornik for the kings first picks…..
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Choralone Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@johnny, I would consider the year a success if they make it to the second round. Were you realistically thinking a cup for this year?
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All I can say is, “nice going Deano….you’re ‘slick move’ just backfired.”
we are now weaker than we were up front. Add in Lokti’s injury too…..
STUPID move by “the smartest man in the room”…..
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jason Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@dahack11, we lose lokti but we still have lokti’s twin brother moller lol
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It would make sense for DL to get a nice LW but who would we trade? If DL makes a big trade we will probably lose someone like stoll,handzus, poni, richardson, drewiske or lewis. I think it would be wiser to not make a trade though. Poni can play on the #1 line as LW. Moller also has enough skill for the #1 line. If stoll or handzus gets traded moller or schenn can step up and play center or on wings.. Moller is a center but can play anywhere.. Schenn is only a center but i believe he can play good enough to be on the #2 line
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jason Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@jason, DL better have something up his sleeve… He did just make us lose another player at our weakest position
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I hope DL brings us a pleasant surprise. It might actually make up for all this tomfoolery…
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Strange move by DL. We got the guy, spent some time with him to fix his knees, payed him salary and now when he become healthy, we lost him for nothing. Really bad move, unless DL going to get “big fish” by Monday. Sturm could’ve help “Kings” during playoff time. He just needed little bit more time to get into game shape (see Handzus).
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Real 7 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@Mike V., a very strange move, since we have a guy who has been a healthy scratch forever,
just waiting in the wings for what?….somebody to be injured or lost?….and even now that someone is, I don’t see him being used….utility my ass!
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Oscar Moller will never get a chance in LA, Terry Murray has come out publicly and said is is not impressed and does not like Moller at all. That is why he never gets called up anymore. DL…….Package him and a couple other players(Drewieske, Harrold, etc….) and trade for a winger!
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They’re hoping Parse is ready next week. A surprise LW to fill in at the end of the year and change everything
Parse Kopitar Williams
Smyth Stoll Brown
Clifford Hanzdzus Simmonds
Richardson Lewis Anybody
Doughty Scuderi
Johnson Mitchell
Greene Martinez
Quick
Bernier
Is this the team that gets us deep in the playoffs?
Two veteran forwards like last year might help. Maybe a couple of guys who score goals?
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gmo Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@jonsey,
not trying to be negative here but even if parse returns he wont do us any goood…..he has been out for so long that he will be totally out of sync……..he is just going to get a couple of games on the first line then get shuffled around….and around and around……so sorry but i dont think he will be the answear.
go kings go
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Real 7 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@jonsey, it could be Poni’s big chance to step up….
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KC23 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@jonsey, Parse had a set back. Doubt we’ll see him this year.
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jonsey Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@KC23, I absolutely agree that Parse is an unlikely hero, but if they don’t make a trade, that’s the vibe I am getting. If he does return he’ll look more like Williams did in the playoffs. How do you spell S C R A T C H
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DL WAKE UP!okey sturm wasn´t rainmaker but good veteran player to playoffs.
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JoeKing Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@sande74,
Exactly. Now’s the time this team needs experience and cool heads. I wonder how Kopitar feels about this and will it affect his game. Seems he was very comfy with an experienced (and Euro) player on his line.
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Good luck to you Marco. Sorry it didn’t work out here, but you’ll do well in Washington.
With Lokti going down, I agree with so many here who have asked for it…
OSCAR MOLLER deserves his shot right now. He has some NHL experience, can play LW, likeable guy in the room, knows TMs system. Seems like the obvious choice to me. I hope DL sees it as the obvious choice as well.
At the very least Dean….play Oscar tonight to shocase him for that trade that needs to be done by Monday if you’re not going to use him long term. Poor kid needs to get his break in the NHL man…
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I believe the move to put Sturm up on waivers was planned as you knew he was gonna go so Im thinking DL has a plan. I trust what he has done so far and think it will be a good trade …whatever he does. Now, with out Lokti, we may have issues up front. Moller deserves a shot but other than him…? Lots of good players available so its gonna be interesting. I have faith in DL. GO KINGS!!
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CAPS are getting spanked by the Rangers 5-0 in the 3rd…
Maybe Sturm will make a difference?
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JoeKing Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@jess,
fyi, that was last nights game.
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jess Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@JoeKing,
ah shoot had it on this mornning and thought I was watching a live game.
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Just wanna ask you all…What do you think of Berniers play so far?
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jess Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Micheal,
I think he is great and will get a lot better. Just keep him out of shootouts for now…
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Clarke Mac Aruthur!!! go get em@!!! Toronto’s selling the farm!!!
a big ass TRADE would be cool too. but good bye young prospects that a lot of us like now..(moller,Hickey,Vyonov,M JOnes,Zackoff, etc)
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DL,
D.J King was waived by Washington PICK HIM UP!!!! dump Westgarth!
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Cristobal Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@kngfan004,
Oh my lord.
Why in the world would we want another waste of space goon?
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kngfan004 Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@Cristobal, at least he can do the job…westie has been a bust since he said that everyone in the league was afraid to fight him. he has lost every fight he has been in this year…not much to be afriad of… the last 20 games will be very physical and chippy to say the least. An enforcer to protect the core of the team is certainly a good insurance policy! Keeps Clifford and Simmonds on the ice.
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Whoops! I hope you enjoyed your conditioning assignment in Los Angeles, Marco. Good luck!
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Right now I don’t care what happens, so long as the Kings continue to win. That trade better be a good one, without costing us the farm.
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If they really didn’t want to lose Sturm, then they would’ve exposed Poni. No one would’ve picked Poni up with his price tag and production the last couple years. This had to be intentional to free up more cap space. I personally would’ve kept Sturm over Poni at this point. But if they wanted to clear that kind of salary off the books, would you take a chance waiving Poni? Doubt it if you wanted to make sure someone picked up that bill.
I just hope Deano’s package wasn’t supposed to include Lokti, cause then now what? Hopefully this all works out and we get someone good out of all this, without having to tap more into the farm to make something work out now, and we aren’t a bridesmaid once again.
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Iginla would still be my first choice although it would cost a truckload to get him. I will tell you a LW that could help, he has lots of exprience, won cups, and leads his team in scoring…Patrick Elias. Plus I dont think it would cost nearly as much as compared to Iginla..what do some of you think?
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LW Anybody? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@puck73, Of course Iginla would be awesome. So would Ovi, Crosby, and Stamkos. Earlier in the year, when Calgary was tanking, this theoretically might have been possible, although it would’ve cost a boatload, and DL wouldn’t have paid the price needed for it so it wouldn’t have happened anyways.
Now Calgary is in 7th place two days before the trade deadline. Nobody is going to trade Iginla at this point, and Deano still wouldn’t pay the price so why even bother thinking about it?
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LW Anybody? Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@LW Anybody?, As for Elias, I wouldn’t trade anything to Jersey. They made their bed with Kovi and they can lie in it. Plus, they actually think they can still make the playoffs, and are selling that to their fans. They won’t trade Elias right now for prospects..
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someone wrote DL has something in his sleeve.. Same as last year, he has his hand in it, and his hands either in your pocket to take your money away, and the same time jerks you around, what a great pleasure… So far DL had great first rounders, as far as trade ha has done not a thing to help the kings advance anywhere in the playoffs. Crapy job overall !!
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jonsey Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@johnny, good post. he might just like building and not growing. i hated Sim City too after my town was all built out.
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johnny Reply:
February 26th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@jonsey, the other thing is.. Did you noticed that for years now jim and bob always put a positive spin on any bad game, where I came from if you put sh*t on ice and sugarcoated it is still sh*t. Get ready to pay extra for crap at staples because somehow they have to get the money back what they paid for Sturm….
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It’s time to call up Oscar Moller, every time that kid has been called up he has come up and scored. Enough with the he is too small non-sense. He scores and that is all that matters.
Now that Sturm is gone all I can see now is there is a trade and it all depended on Sturm being claimed off waivers to make cap room. If there is no trade then putting Sturm on waivers was very stupid.
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With Lokti’s injury, DL just got his hardest lesson as a GM. Every move is a gamble — there’s never a sure trade until it’s done. Sturm was playing soft/light and they opened the door, taking a chance of letting him go. The problem with that (and the biggest problem for the Kings) is a total lack of depth, except at the one position where it’s overkill (goalie). We just saw what happens if Sturm gets picked up on waivers the same day that Lokti gets injured. But, what do you think happens if Kopitar gets hurt like Malkin (or Crosby)? Definitely not trying to put a curse on anyone, but you get the picture. Going forward, I think David Booth would make the best fit for this team and TM’s coaching style — he doesn’t like guys who get easily rubbed off the puck like Sturm/Lokti/Moller, and I don’t disagree with that… I like the direction of Simmonds, Clifford, Lewis. But how do you Cup contend (even if they add a sniper and playmaker like we all want) if there’s no roster depth? A healthy Frolov would be useful (one of Kings top performers last playoffs) but management couldn’t swallow his millions after expecting too much. DL’s not going anywhere so this Sturm/Lokti experience should come in handy in 2012 & 2013. Now it’s about time for the real gamble: Quick is the goalie of the present and future, Bernier still has near equal value — man up and deal Bernier for TM’s prototypical skilled forward: tougher than Kovalchuk, heart like Brown, not even Semin qualifies.
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Sorry to see Sturm go, but I can live without him. Bigger issue is who replaces him and very sorry that Lokti got injured. Bad luck. Hopefully DL has something good up his sleeve. Add-ons like Jeff Halpern and Fred Modin (last season) won’t do much to get the Kings stronger for the playoffs–needs to be better. Agree that it won’t be Iginla, with Calgary making a bid this year. Plus WHY would he give away top people for a 33 year old player. Even if he plays 2 more years, he will not produce like he has in the past and you’ve given away too much for him. We need a strong performer that is in his late 20′s….not mid 30′s. Hope DL has another plan for an upcoming trade.
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